Creamy Walnut Sauce

Ingredients

In this Romanian adaptation, we infuse the creamy walnut sauce with traditional Romanian flavors. By incorporating local herbs and spices, we enhance the sauce's taste to suit the Romanian palate. Additionally, we adjust the consistency to be slightly thicker, allowing it to cling to the Romanian-style pasta and dishes. We alse have the original recipe for Salsa di noci, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (120g) walnuts, toasted 1 cup (120g) walnuts, toasted
• 2 cloves of garlic 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable broth 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 24g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 6g, 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a food processor, combine the toasted walnuts, garlic, parsley, dill, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt. Pulse until the mixture forms a coarse paste.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the vegetable broth and olive oil while continuing to blend, until the sauce reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
3. 3.
   Transfer the sauce to a bowl and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   Serve the creamy walnut sauce as a topping for pasta, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats. Enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Walnuts — Toasting the walnuts before blending enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, soak the walnuts in water for a few hours before blending.
• Adjust the consistency by adding more vegetable broth for a thinner sauce or reducing the broth for a thicker sauce.
• Experiment with different herbs like mint or basil to add a unique twist to the sauce.
• Drizzle the sauce over grilled vegetables for a delightful smoky flavor.
• Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Serving advice

Serve the creamy walnut sauce warm or at room temperature. Drizzle it generously over freshly cooked pasta or use it as a dip for crusty bread. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts and fresh herbs for an extra touch of elegance.

Presentation advice

Present the creamy walnut sauce in a small bowl or ramekin, accompanied by a platter of colorful vegetables or a plate of freshly cooked pasta. The vibrant green color of the sauce will beautifully contrast with the other elements on the plate, creating an appetizing visual appeal.